Five Accused in Zubeen Garg Death Case Sent to 14 Days Judicial Custody Following Virtual Court Appearance

On October 27, 2025, five individuals accused in connection with singer Zubeen Garg’s death case were produced virtually before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. This virtual production was conducted via video conferencing, as October 28 marked Chhath Puja, a public holiday, which prevented physical court proceedings. The accused include Shyamkanu Mahanta, chief organiser of the North East India Festival, Siddhartha Sharma, Zubeen Garg’s manager, Garg’s cousin and police officer Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya. Their judicial custody period had ended the previous day, necessitating the court appearance to extend their custody.

The accused were initially remanded to judicial custody on October 15 and lodged in Baksa jail. Their transfer to the facility was carried out under tight security arrangements due to violent protests that erupted in the area following their detention. The protests involved large crowds, during which demonstrators hurled stones at vehicles transporting the accused and set fire to several other vehicles, resulting in injuries to police personnel and media persons covering the events. Baksa Senior Superintendent of Police, Ujjal Pratim Baruah, confirmed that nine individuals were arrested in connection with the protests and stated that additional suspects had been identified. These violent incidents highlighted the strong public sentiment and tensions surrounding the high-profile case.

The judicial proceedings ensured that the accused were presented to the court despite the holiday, reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the matter. The court’s decision to extend judicial custody for another 14 days allows law enforcement agencies additional time to investigate the case thoroughly and maintain custody of the accused during ongoing legal procedures. Judicial custody in such high-profile cases is typically ordered to prevent tampering with evidence, ensure witness safety, and maintain public order, especially when protests and unrest have occurred in response to the arrests.

In addition to the five accused, two other individuals involved in the case, Zubeen Garg’s band members Shekharjyoti Goswami and Amritprava Mahanta, were arrested separately and remanded to judicial custody on the next day. They were sent to Haflong prison in Dima Hasao district. These arrests indicate that the investigation continues to identify and detain individuals allegedly involved in the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death. The involvement of multiple individuals, including event organizers, personal staff, and family members, underscores the complexity of the case and the various factors law enforcement must examine.

The legal proceedings, including virtual production and judicial remand, demonstrate how courts manage cases even during public holidays to ensure continuity in judicial oversight. The deployment of stringent security measures during transfers highlights the authorities’ concern for maintaining order amid protests. Public reactions, including stone-pelting and attacks on vehicles, indicate widespread attention to the case and the charged emotions it has provoked in the region. Law enforcement continues to monitor developments and apprehend additional suspects to prevent further violence and ensure a smooth investigative process.

Overall, the sequence of judicial custody, virtual court appearances, and security measures illustrates the procedural and administrative responses required in high-profile criminal cases. By extending judicial custody for the accused, the court ensures that the investigation can proceed without disruption, while the authorities manage public order concerns. The case remains under close observation by both the judiciary and law enforcement, reflecting its prominence and sensitivity in the public domain.